Abstract: An actuator includes a solenoid including a coil and a plunger, a switch circuit coupled to the coil, and a control circuit coupled to the switch circuit. The control circuit is configured to receive a feedback signal representative of a plunger position. The control circuit is also configured to provide power to the solenoid via the switch circuit and reduce power to the solenoid via the switch circuit in response to the feedback signal being representative of the plunger being in a full travel position.

Abstract: An engine operation detection system includes an engine including a spark plug and a spark plug wire, and an engine run sensor including a signal wire including an antenna, the antenna configured to receive a spark plug signal from the spark plug wire, a data acquisition output wire outputting an engine on/off condition signal, a power supply providing power to the engine run sensing circuit, and an engine run sensing circuit configured to transform the spark plug signal into the engine on/off condition signal output via the data acquisition output wire.

Abstract: An engine operation detection system includes an engine including a spark plug and a spark plug wire, and an engine run sensor including a signal wire including an antenna, the antenna configured to receive a spark plug signal from the spark plug wire, a data acquisition output wire outputting an engine on/off condition signal, a power supply providing power to the engine run sensing circuit, and an engine run sensing circuit configured to transform the spark plug signal into the engine on/off condition signal output via the data acquisition output wire.

Abstract: A generator system includes a prime mover having a drive shaft and a throttle, a driven member having a rotor disposed on a rotor shaft, and a continuously variable transmission pulley system. The transmission pulley system includes a drive pulley coupled to the drive shaft and having a variable drive pulley effective diameter. A driven pulley coupled to the rotor shaft has a variable driven pulley effective diameter responsive to varying torque on the rotor shaft. A belt configured to engage the drive pulley and the driven pulley has a belt tension, wherein the drive pulley effective diameter varies in response to the belt tension.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine that includes a carburetor having a choke valve and an actuator configured to move the choke valve between a closed choke position and an open choke position. A passageway is configured to direct a pressure pulse from the engine into a fuel chamber of the carburetor. The engine further includes a priming valve at least partially located within the passageway. The priming valve is configured to move between an open primer position that allows the pressure pulse to enter the fuel chamber through the passageway and a closed primer position that substantially restricts the pressure pulse from entering the fuel chamber through the passageway. The priming valve is configured to move between the open primer position and the closed primer position by the actuator when the actuator moves the choke valve between the closed choke position and the open choke position, respectively.

Abstract: A generator system includes a prime mover having a drive shaft and a throttle, a driven member having a rotor disposed on a rotor shaft, and a continuously variable transmission pulley system. The transmission pulley system includes a drive pulley coupled to the drive shaft and having a variable drive pulley effective diameter. A driven pulley coupled to the rotor shaft has a variable driven pulley effective diameter responsive to varying torque on the rotor shaft. A belt configured to engage the drive pulley and the driven pulley has a belt tension, wherein the drive pulley effective diameter varies in response to the belt tension.

Abstract: A generator system for a portable, residential or small business generator includes an engine, an alternator, a continuously variable transmission pulley system and a governor. The engine includes a drive shaft and a throttle. The alternator includes a rotor disposed on a rotor shaft. The continuously variable transmission pulley system includes a drive pulley coupled to the drive shaft, a driven pulley coupled to the rotor shaft, and a belt configured to engage the drive pulley and the driven pulley. The governor adjusts the engine throttle to control the speed of the engine in response to a speed of the rotor shaft.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine that includes a carburetor having a choke valve and an actuator configured to move the choke valve between a closed choke position and an open choke position. A passageway is configured to direct a pressure pulse from the engine into a fuel chamber of the carburetor. The engine further includes a priming valve at least partially located within the passageway. The priming valve is configured to move between an open primer position that allows the pressure pulse to enter the fuel chamber through the passageway and a closed primer position that substantially restricts the pressure pulse from entering the fuel chamber through the passageway. The priming valve is configured to move between the open primer position and the closed primer position by the actuator when the actuator moves the choke valve between the closed choke position and the open choke position, respectively.

Abstract: A generator system for a portable, residential or small business generator includes an engine, an alternator, a continuously variable transmission pulley system and a governor. The engine includes a drive shaft and a throttle. The alternator includes a rotor disposed on a rotor shaft. The continuously variable transmission pulley system includes a drive pulley coupled to the drive shaft, a driven pulley coupled to the rotor shaft, and a belt configured to engage the drive pulley and the driven pulley. The governor adjusts the engine throttle to control the speed of the engine in response to a speed of the rotor shaft.

Abstract: A pet waste retriever for use with a disposable container includes an outer frame defining a central passageway and having a handle end, and an opposite container end defining an opening in communication with the passageway. An inner frame is dimensioned for sliding engagement in the passageway and has a grip end associated with the handle end and a jaw end associated with the container end, the jaw end provided with at least one jaw. The inner frame is assembled into the outer frame without the use of tools.